As protagonist Artyom, you take on the role of a subterranean metro dweller, born on the surface but trapped underground since the apocalyptic event that marred your first living days on earth. When you discover that you alone carry an immunity to the strange powers of the mysterious "Dark Ones" who prowl the tunnels of your subway home, it falls to you set off on a journey to send the message of warning to the rest of the underground villages and townships.

The permeating, claustrophobic and tense atmosphere that Metro 2033 so successfully creates is perhaps its biggest triumph. It is very easy to find yourself fully immersed into this strange and scary world, adrenaline pumping and mind reeling. Furthermore this is a game that will make you think as well as feel (perhaps not surprising from a title based on a book, without the convenient bridge of a film in the middle) and rewards you for your curiosity and resourcefulness. However while this will be a great boon to some, it ensures that this is not a game for everybody.

It's a shame that Metro 2033 is not a little more polished and that while the shooting elements are generally fine, they fall flat when compared to other more accomplished titles in this genre.